Police: Truck driver sneezes, crashes into 10 cars in lot near San Leandro

By Natalie Neysa Alund, The Daily Review

Posted:
11/29/2012 08:36:22 AM PST

Updated:
11/29/2012 04:35:15 PM PST

SAN LEANDRO -- A sneezing fit was to blame after a truck driver crashed into nearly a dozen cars and trucks at a used auto dealer early Thursday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers were called at 4:40 a.m. to United Auto Center at 16230 E. 14th St. for a report of a noninjury crash involving a 2004 tractor 3-axle truck, said Officer Daniel Jacowitz.

Investigators determined Antonio Zamora, 42, of Modesto, was driving the truck north on Fourth Street and, as he passed 162nd Avenue, he experienced a sneezing attack, inadvertently drove the vehicle to the right and collided with a parked 2001 Mitsubishi parked on the right shoulder of East 14th Street.

The truck pushed the Mitsubishi up onto the sidewalk, off the roadway, then continued over the sidewalk into a metal fence belonging to United Auto Center, Jacowitz said.

The Mitsubishi sustained moderate rear-end damage and the impact damaged about 40 feet of the metal fence, Jacowitz said. The truck then entered a parking lot of the auto dealership and struck more than a half-dozen cars causing moderate front and side damage.

"It just started going down the line hitting each car, pushing cars into a few others," Jacowitz said.

The cars were parked side by side facing East 14th and a few cars parked behind them were also damaged, he said.

The truck struck and damaged 10 cars, including three 2005 Ford F250s and two Ford Rangers.

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Investigators said Zamora was traveling about 30-35 mph when the crash took place.

He was not cited.

"We don't believe alcohol or drugs were involved," Jacowitz said. "He stated that he started having this episode and must have allowed the steering wheel to inadvertently turn to the right. He was apologetic, and it seemed like one of those things that happens when you're not completely in control of a vehicle."